Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2021, published 110th ILC session (2022)

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2019, published 109th ILC session (2021)

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2016, published 106th ILC session (2017)

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2013, published 103rd ILC session (2014)

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2011, published 101st ILC session (2012)

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2009, published 99th ILC session (2010)

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Adoption and implementation of an active employment policy within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy. The Government indicates that, in accordance with Decree No. 30-2006 establishing the national employment policy, macroeconomic, wage-related, fiscal, financial and public expenditure measures have been taken into account to generate productive and stable employment. Furthermore, the Government supports the creation of productive and decent employment through the strengthening of the domestic market and the promotion of policies which provide an attractive environment for national and direct foreign investment in traditional and non-traditional sectors. The Committee notes the adoption of the Decent Work Country Programme 2008–11 which aims to contribute to the economic and social development of Nicaragua through the generation of employment and decent work in a sustained manner within a framework of efficiency, productivity, competitiveness and social justice. The Committee notes that programmes have been adopted under the National Employment and Decent Work Policy (PNETD) to generate employment, provide vocational training and support the integration of women into the labour market. The Committee also notes that in view of the international economic crisis, in January 2009, the Government adopted the Plan for the protection of production, growth and employment, the five central components of which include maintaining financial stability, public investment in infrastructure projects, encouraging private investment and production, the protection of solidary employment through consensus on wages policy and the promotion of local jobs, and fiscal austerity. The Committee once again notes with interest the manner in which the Government has proposed that the Convention be applied and requests that it provide information in its next report on how the measures taken under the programmes implemented as part of the National Employment Policy and the Plan for the protection of production, growth and employment have contributed to generating productive, stable and high-quality employment. In this regard, the Government has indicated that the economic crisis has had a considerable impact on employment in the export processing zones and that the Plan for the protection of production, growth and employment includes measures to facilitate exports. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information on developments relating to employment in export processing zones and on the measures taken to ensure that these zones offer lasting and high-quality employment.

Coordination of employment policy and poverty reduction. According to the estimates available, in 2007, poverty affected 46 per cent of the total population, while 15 per cent were living in extreme poverty. In November 2007, unemployment in Nicaragua stood at 5.2 per cent, while underemployment stood at 34.1 per cent. A total of 62.7 per cent of employed persons were working in the informal economy, which represents an increase of 3.9 percentage points since 2005. According to the statistics included in the Government’s report, women accounted for only 37.2 per cent of the total employed population. The Committee also notes that under the Zero Hunger programme productive vouchers are offered to help those living on limited resources. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing information in its next report on the situation, level and trends of employment, unemployment and underemployment, indicating the extent to which they effect the most vulnerable sectors and the results achieved by the measures taken to combat poverty. The Committee also requests the Government to continue providing information on the steps that it is taking to increase employment opportunities and improve working conditions in the informal economy.

Promotion of small and medium-sized enterprises for job creation. The Committee notes with interest that in January 2008, Act No. 645 on the promotion and development of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) was adopted, which aims to formalize MSMEs through the creation of support centres and a single decentralized register. A National Council for Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (CONAMYPE) was established as an advisory body for dialogue and consensus, tasked with determining national priorities, programmes, measures and activities aimed at promoting the sector. The Committee requests the Government to provide information in its next report on the results of the measures taken to develop the productivity and competitiveness of MSMEs and the progress made in achieving the objective of turning MSMEs into sources of sustainable, high-quality employment and income.

Article 3. Participation of the social partners. The Committee notes that the priorities defined in the Decent Work Country Programme include, in particular, strengthening the National Labour Council (CNT) so that it contributes to devising and implementing employment and decent work policies and programmes. The Committee requests the Government to continue including information on the experience of the social partners in applying the Convention and specifically on the consultations held with representatives of the rural sector, the informal economy and those working in exports processing zones.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2008, published 98th ILC session (2009)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its 2007 comment which read as follows:

1. Adoption and implementation of an active employment policy within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy. The Committee notes the detailed information provided by the Government in its report received in September 2006. The Committee notes with interest that through Executive Decree No. 30-2006, of 1 May 2006, the Office of the President of the Republic approved the national employment policy noting the incorporation of the principles of international labour standards, and particularly those of Conventions Nos 100, 111 and 122. Among other important statements, it is considered a national priority to formulate a strategy for the generation of high-quality work, together with incentives for national and foreign private investment, and to develop a strategy for economic growth and poverty reduction. Measures will be taken to strengthen the system of public investment with a view to promoting a series of projects with a major impact on the living standards of the population and the economy in general in accordance with the objectives of the National Development Plan and the resources allocated for a more aggressive infrastructure investment programme with a view to promoting economic growth. The Committee asks the Government to provide information in its next report on any difficulties encountered in the achievement of the employment objectives established in the National Development Plan, including updated quantitative information on the implementation and outcome of the programmes implemented to promote growth and economic development, raise living standards, meet the needs of the labour force and resolve the problem of unemployment and underemployment.

2. Coordination of employment policy and poverty reduction. The Committee also notes with interest the Government’s statement in its report that, following a long process of structural adjustment and fiscal discipline, in January 2004, Nicaragua was finally accorded the cancellation of over 80 per cent of its external debt through the Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative in the context of the Strengthened Growth and Poverty Reduction Strategy (ERCERP 2001). The macroeconomic programme implemented by Nicaragua during the period 2002–05 contributed to national stability, with a growth rate of 5.1 per cent in 2004. Nevertheless, according to the information published by ECLAC in the Preliminary overview of the economies of Latin America and the Caribbean 2006, economic growth in Nicaragua slowed slightly from 4.0 per cent in 2005 to 3.7 per cent in 2006, owing to the decrease of domestic demand, although this was partly offset by a strong increase in exports. Indeed, exports of goods grew by 24 per cent due to a good harvest and improved international prices for some of the main traditional exports and the buoyancy of exports from export processing zones, especially maquila textile products. According to the statistics available in the ILO, the overall unemployment rate has fallen, reaching 7 per cent in 2005. However, informal work has not decreased and in 2005 was at the level of 58.8 per cent. The Committee once again expresses interest in continuing to receive information on the manner in which it is ensured that employment takes on central importance in macroeconomic and social policies through the formulation and implementation of the national strategy for poverty reduction and the promotion of decent work. The Committee asks the Government to continue providing information in its next report on the situation, level and trends of employment, unemployment and underemployment with an indication of the extent to which they affect the most vulnerable categories (women, young persons, older workers, workers with disabilities, workers in rural areas and in the informal economy) and, in particular, of the contribution of export processing zones to the creation of lasting and high-quality employment.

3. Part V of the report form. ILO technical cooperation. The Government provides information in its report on the meetings held in the framework of the Central American Integration System (SICA) with a view to addressing the subject of employment in a consensual and tripartite manner and establishing a closer linkage between social and economic matters. The Committee asks the Government to continue providing information on the subregional initiatives undertaken with ILO support to promote the objectives of the creation of productive employment as set out in the Convention.

4. Article 3. Participation of the social partners in policy formulation and implementation. The Committee notes with interest the indication in the National Employment Plan that “the Government will support the strengthening of unions and employers’ organizations and the development of bipartite and tripartite social dialogue bodies for a concerted approach to labour, employment and decent work policies, both within the spirit of ILO Convention No. 144 on tripartite consultations and in the national constitutional and legal framework”. The Committee welcomes the approach adopted and requests the Government to provide information in its next report on the manner in which matters relating to employment policy have been addressed in the National Labour Council. The Committee also invites the Government to consider the manner in which the consultations required by the Convention may include the representatives of the most vulnerable categories of the population, and particularly representatives of workers in the rural sector and the informal economy, when formulating and seeking support for the implementation of employment policy programmes and measures.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2007, published 97th ILC session (2008)

1. Adoption and implementation of an active employment policy within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy. The Committee notes the detailed information provided by the Government in its report received in September 2006. The Committee notes with interest that through Executive Decree No. 30-2006, of 1 May 2006, the Office of the President of the Republic approved the national employment policy noting the incorporation of the principles of international labour standards, and particularly those of Conventions Nos 100, 111 and 122. Among other important statements, it is considered a national priority to formulate a strategy for the generation of high-quality work, together with incentives for national and foreign private investment, and to develop a strategy for economic growth and poverty reduction. Measures will be taken to strengthen the system of public investment with a view to promoting a series of projects with a major impact on the living standards of the population and the economy in general in accordance with the objectives of the National Development Plan and the resources allocated for a more aggressive infrastructure investment programme with a view to promoting economic growth. The Committee asks the Government to provide information in its next report on any difficulties encountered in the achievement of the employment objectives established in the National Development Plan, including updated quantitative information on the implementation and outcome of the programmes implemented to promote growth and economic development, raise living standards, meet the needs of the labour force and resolve the problem of unemployment and underemployment.

2. Coordination of employment policy and poverty reduction. The Committee also notes with interest the Government’s statement in its report that, following a long process of structural adjustment and fiscal discipline, in January 2004, Nicaragua was finally accorded the cancellation of over 80 per cent of its external debt through the Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative in the context of the Strengthened Growth and Poverty Reduction Strategy (ERCERP 2001). The macroeconomic programme implemented by Nicaragua during the period 2002–05 contributed to national stability, with a growth rate of 5.1 per cent in 2004. Nevertheless, according to the information published by ECLAC in the Preliminary overview of the economies of Latin America and the Caribbean 2006, economic growth in Nicaragua slowed slightly from 4.0 per cent in 2005 to 3.7 per cent in 2006, owing to the decrease of domestic demand, although this was partly offset by a strong increase in exports. Indeed, exports of goods grew by 24 per cent due to a good harvest and improved international prices for some of the main traditional exports and the buoyancy of exports from export processing zones, especially maquila textile products. According to the statistics available in the ILO, the overall unemployment rate has fallen, reaching 7 per cent in 2005. However, informal work has not decreased and in 2005 was at the level of 58.8 per cent. The Committee once again expresses interest in continuing to receive information on the manner in which it is ensured that employment takes on central importance in macroeconomic and social policies through the formulation and implementation of the national strategy for poverty reduction and the promotion of decent work. The Committee asks the Government to continue providing information in its next report on the situation, level and trends of employment, unemployment and underemployment with an indication of the extent to which they affect the most vulnerable categories (women, young persons, older workers, workers with disabilities, workers in rural areas and in the informal economy) and, in particular, of the contribution of export processing zones to the creation of lasting and high-quality employment.

3. Part V of the report form. ILO technical cooperation. The Government provides information in its report on the meetings held in the framework of the Central American Integration System (SICA) with a view to addressing the subject of employment in a consensual and tripartite manner and establishing a closer linkage between social and economic matters. The Committee asks the Government to continue providing information on the subregional initiatives undertaken with ILO support to promote the objectives of the creation of productive employment as set out in the Convention.

4. Article 3. Participation of the social partners in policy formulation and implementation. The Committee notes with interest the indication in the National Employment Plan that “the Government will support the strengthening of unions and employers’ organizations and the development of bipartite and tripartite social dialogue bodies for a concerted approach to labour, employment and decent work policies, both within the spirit of ILO Convention No. 144 on tripartite consultations and in the national constitutional and legal framework”. The Committee welcomes the approach adopted and requests the Government to provide information in its next report on the manner in which matters relating to employment policy have been addressed in the National Labour Council. The Committee also invites the Government to consider the manner in which the consultations required by the Convention may include the representatives of the most vulnerable categories of the population, and particularly representatives of workers in the rural sector and the informal economy, when formulating and seeking support for the implementation of employment policy programmes and measures.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2005, published 95th ILC session (2006)

1. Coordination of employment policy and poverty reduction. The Committee notes the report received in September 2004, which contains information on the Enhanced Economic Growth and Poverty Reduction Strategy and the proposed National Development Plan. The National Development Plan indicates that the overall unemployment rate did not change significantly between 1998 and 2001 (it was 11.6 per cent in 2002 and 10.2 per cent in 2003). The unemployment rate is higher among poor households (25.6 per cent). Some 46 out of every 100 employed persons at the national level are in the informal economy, with most of them (28 out of every 100) in own-account activities with very low productivity and income levels. Furthermore, 18 out of every 1,000 employed persons are in the traditional small-scale rural and indigenous production sector. Open underemployment (defined as jobs with fewer than 40 hours a week) accounts for one-third of total employment. The regions with the highest rates of open underemployment are the Pacific and the Atlantic. In order to halve extreme poverty by 2015, it will be necessary to achieve average annual GDP growth rates of 5 per cent (GDP growth was 4 per cent in 2004). The Committee notes with interest that the proposed National Development Plan indicates that "the employment generation policy, understood both from the viewpoint of demand (productive investment) and supply (investment in human capital), is the principal objective of both economic and social policy. Economic growth produced by a conducive macroeconomic environment and social investment has to be articulated so that economic growth objectives benefit the majority of the population, thereby improving the productivity and utility of both large enterprises and small and medium-sized enterprises. In this manner, basic wage income will be increased through the integration of the unemployed and the underemployed (informal sector) into the formal labour market, thereby serving a triple objective: (i) economic reactivation; (ii) the provision of more and better social services; and (iii) the growth of fiscal income, which will in turn reinforce public investment as an instrument of economic reactivation and social development, thereby creating a positive multiplier effect". The Committee notes with interest the information on the process of consultation and participation for the preparation of the National Development Plan, and the assistance received from the ILO for the formulation of the National Employment Policy.

2. As it did in its previous observations, the Committee hopes that the Government will continue its efforts to ensure that the creation of productive employment is central to macroeconomic and social policies when preparing and implementing the national poverty reduction strategy. Indeed, the Committee considers it essential from the outset for employment objectives to be included "as a major goal" in the formulation of economic and social policy if these objectives are truly to be an integral part of the policies that are adopted (paragraph 490 of the General Survey of 2004 on promoting employment). The Committee hopes that the Government’s next report will contain information enabling it to assess the measures adopted for the implementation of the National Development Plan which contribute to achieving the objectives of the Convention (Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention).

3. In this respect, the Committee welcomes the reports prepared by the Office in the framework of the assistance provided to the Government for the formulation of the National Employment Policy, and it trusts that the next report will contain information on the measures adopted as a result of the assistance received from the ILO (Part V of the report form).

4. The Committee asks the Government to provide information in its report on the manner in which lasting employment has been created for the vulnerable groups defined in the National Development Plan. As on previous occasions, the Committee would be grateful to be provided with information on the situation, level and trends of employment, unemployment and underemployment, with an indication of the extent to which they affect the most vulnerable categories (women, young persons, older workers, workers with disabilities, rural workers and the informal economy). In particular, the Committee requests the Government to provide information on the contribution of export processing zones to the creation of high-quality lasting employment.

5. Other matters relating to migrant workers and the functioning of employment services are addressed in comments on the Social Policy (Basic Aims and Standards) Convention, 1962 (No. 117), and the Employment Service Convention, 1948 (No. 88).

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2003, published 92nd ILC session (2004)

1. Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. With reference to its comments in 2001, the Committee notes the report received in October 2002, which provides a brief analysis of the employment situation and government policies to achieve higher economic growth. In 2001, the gross domestic product increased by 3 per cent, which amounted to a fall of over two points in relation to the previous year, and inflation remained at the lowest level for the past nine years (an accumulated annual rate of 4.65 per cent). Nevertheless, the labour market indicators show an unemployment rate of 10.7 per cent, with underemployment reaching 12.4 per cent. The national telecommunications company was privatized and new provisions were approved for the protection of bank deposits. The Government is focusing on further strengthening the private sector as a whole and promoting foreign investment. The industrial export processing zone contains 52 enterprises which have generated direct employment for 40,220 persons. The Emergency Investment Fund (FISE) is intended for the most vulnerable categories of the population and in 2001 implemented 846 projects which generated 68,920 direct temporary jobs (in 2002, 109 projects benefited 152,098 persons). The Government recalls that the Reinforced Poverty Reduction Strategy is intended to achieve equitable growth on a broad basis with a high level of employment generation, with emphasis on rural development, a high level of investment in human capital among the poor to increase competitiveness, an improvement in access to basic goods and services, such as health, education and housing, and the strengthening of institutions. The Committee trusts that the Government will continue to provide information in its report on the manner in which the employment objectives established in the Reinforced Economic Growth and Poverty Reduction Strategy have been achieved.

2. In this context, the Committee understands that in October 2002 the Government concluded an agreement with the ILO on the formulation of a National Employment Policy (PNE) with a view to maximizing the utilization and development of human resources as a means of securing decent work for men and women in order to achieve the national aspiration of living in dignity. The Committee hopes that the Government will be able to include information in its next report on the progress achieved in the context of the PNE and the results observed in terms of the creation of productive employment (Part V of the report form). The Committee would also be grateful if the Government would provide information on the situation, level and trends of employment, unemployment and underemployment, with an indication of the extent to which it affects specific categories of the population (women, young persons, older workers, workers with disabilities, rural workers and workers in the informal economy). In particular, the Committee requests that the Government continue providing information on the contribution of export processing zones to the creation of sustainable quality employment for those working in the above zones.

3. With reference to its previous comments, the Government indicates that small, medium-sized and large rural producers are associated in various institutions managing the commercialization of their products, obtaining information and undertaking a full range of activities. There are no distinctions, exclusions or preferences between organizations bringing together persons working in the rural sector and in the organized informal economy. Furthermore, the General Directorate of Employment and Wages is the body responsible for the implementation, coordination and evaluation of employment and labour migration policies. The Committee refers to Article 3 of the Convention, which requires consultations with the representatives of the persons affected (employers’ and workers’ organizations, representatives of the rural sector and the informal economy) with a view to taking fully into account their experience and views. The objective of such consultations is to secure their full cooperation in formulating and implementing employment policies. In this respect, the Committee trusts that the Government will ensure that the consultations required by the Convention are taken into account in the context of the PNE, as well as in the employment measures adopted as a consequence of the Reinforced Economic Growth and Poverty Reduction Strategy. The Government is also requested to provide detailed information on these consultations.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2001, published 90th ILC session (2002)

The Committee refers to its observation and asks the Government to include information on the following matters in its next report.

1. Article 1 of the Convention. In its report the Government cites the labour market analyses and short-term studies on the country’s occupational situation conducted by the Employment and Wages General Directorate of the Ministry of Labour. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide information on the situation, level and trends of employment, unemployment and underemployment as shown by the analyses of the Employment and Wages General Directorate, indicating the extent to which they affect particular categories of workers (women, older workers, workers with disabilities, rural workers and workers in the informal sector).

2. Article 2. Please state what measures have been taken to ensure that the analyses done by the Employment and Wages General Directorate have been taken into account in adopting other measures to promote economic development or to achieve the economic and social objectives established in the Poverty Reduction Strategy.

3. The Committee repeats once again its direct request of 1999 that the Government provide evaluations of the results achieved in job creation by some of the programmes mentioned in its report, such as those implemented by the Emergency Social Investment Fund, the Social Action Secretariat, the Institute for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises and the National Programme for Support to Small Producers.

4. In its report the Government indicates that the export processing zone programme has contributed to generating 20,861 direct jobs and 2,099 indirect jobs. The Committee requests that the Government continue to provide information on the contribution of export processing zones to the creation of decent and lasting employment for those working in them.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2001, published 90th ILC session (2002)

1. The Committee notes the Government’s report, received in November 2000, in which reference is made to the legal framework in which the Ministry of Labour operates, the measures taken regarding micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, investment promotion and other measures related to vocational training. The Committee notes that the unemployment rate fell in 2000 (from 10.7 to 9.8 per cent) though the underemployment rate (12.1 per cent) increased considerably. Most of the jobs created were in the agricultural, construction, commerce and social service sectors. In December 2000, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund decided to support a comprehensive debt reduction package for Nicaragua as part of the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative. As part of the package, the Government is to finalize and implement a wholly participatory poverty reduction strategy including measures to promote human development and social protection and expand access to primary education and health care. The Committee trusts that the Government will continue to give priority to the objectives of full employment in its plans and programmes and will include in its next report information on the extent to which the employment objectives set in the poverty reduction strategy have been attained (Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention).

2. The Committee reiterates, as it has done for many years, its request to the Government to include in its next report the information required in the report form on consultation of the representatives of the persons affected concerning the various aspects of employment policy, and particularly on any consultations held with representatives of those working in the rural sector and the informal sector (Article 3).

The Committee raises other aspects of the application of the Convention in a request addressed directly to the Government.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1999, published 88th ILC session (2000)

1. The Committee notes the Government's detailed report for the period ending in June 1998. The Government states that it is attempting to create conditions conducive to savings and investment, in line with economic growth and the consequent creation of jobs. Three political objectives have been set: maintenance and consolidation of social peace, promotion of investment, in line with production, and more equitable income distribution. The Committee again recalls that the objectives of full, productive and freely chosen employment must be an integral part of a coordinated economic and social policy (Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention). The Committee hopes that in its next report the Government will indicate to what extent the abovementioned policies have enabled the goals of full, productive and freely chosen employment to be attained. The Government is asked to bear in mind that many aspects of an active employment policy go beyond the competence of the Ministry of Labour. As the report form drawn up by the Governing Body states, the preparation of a full report on the Convention may require consultation with the other ministries concerned, such as those responsible for economic affairs. The Committee trusts that the next report will refer to the subjects related to overall and sectoral development policies set out in the report form for Article 1 of the Convention.

2. The Committee notes the statistical annexes sent by the Government on the urban labour market and its gender implications and on the profiles of the economically active urban population, compiled with the Office's cooperation. Please indicate the action taken as a result of the abovementioned studies, and any way in which the Office's assistance has contributed to the declaration and pursuit of an active employment policy within the meaning of the Convention.

3. The Committee notes the various specific programmes that the Government plans to carry out: promotion of foreign investment, preferential designation of recipients of agricultural loans, generation of emergency jobs and vocational training. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would include in its next report an evaluation of the results obtained by these programmes. With regard to employment generation in export processing zones, the Committee notes that the Ministerial Resolution of 23 January of 1998 on work in export processing zones in the Republic of Nicaragua seeks to promote certain rights of the male and female workers involved. In this connection, the Committee trusts that the Government will continue to try to avoid the adverse effects and stimulate the positive effects on employment of the investments of such enterprises.

4. The information sent by the Government shows that fewer people are employed in the formal than in the informal sector of the economy. The level of unemployment is also very high (close to 14 per cent in 1997), with the majority of the economically active population still employed in low productivity activities, such as subsistence farming and informal trade. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would indicate in its next report the results of any measures it has adopted to increase job opportunities and improve working conditions in the informal sector and to facilitate the latter's gradual integration into the national economy. The Government may find it useful to refer to the relevant provisions of the Employment Policy (Supplementary Provisions) Recommendation, 1984 (No. 169), and the Job Creation in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Recommendation, 1998 (No. 189), as a source of guidance for its action.

5. The Committee notes that the Government's report contains no information on the consultations required under Article 3 of the Convention. In these circumstances, it again requests the Government to include in its report the information requested in the report form concerning consultations with representatives of the persons affected by the various aspects of employment policy, particularly any consultations held with representatives of those working in the rural sector and the informal sector.

6. In general, the Committee considers that, in responding to the points raised, it would be advisable for the Government to take account of its comments on the application of other Conventions ratified by Nicaragua which are directly linked to Convention No. 122, such as the Employment Service Convention, 1948 (No. 88), and the Human Resources Development Convention, 1975 (No. 142).

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1996, published 85th ILC session (1997)

1. Further to its observation, the Committee notes the Government's report for the period ending June 1996 and the information replying in part to its previous request. It notes, however, that it does not include the statistical information required by the report form on the situation, level and trends of employment, unemployment and underemployment. Please supply available data on these points in the next report, as required by the report form adopted by the Governing Body, including, to the extent possible, on the informal sector.

2. The Committee notes that the establishment of multinational enterprises in the free zones has enabled jobs to be created. It draws the Government's attention to the principles set out in paragraph 12 of Recommendation No. 169, and asks it to provide the information required in this respect.

3. The Committee notes that the other information concerning investment policy, monetary and budgetary policy, trade policy and prices and incomes policy do not indicate how the decisions taken and the results obtained in all these areas contribute effectively to promoting employment. It asks the Government to assess how the main objectives pursued by its economic policy can contribute to promoting full, productive and freely chosen employment, as a major goal and within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy (Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention). Please indicate in particular how the implementation of structural adjustment programmes and privatization measures takes account of their effects on employment, stating whether measures are envisaged to encourage the redeployment of affected workers.

4. The Committee notes the support programmes for the population groups most affected by unemployment and underemployment, and the projects to promote rural employment. Please indicate the results of the implementation of these programmes.

5. The Committee notes with interest the training for self-employment activities carried out by the National Technology Institute (INATEC), and the Institute's efforts to coordinate training with the manpower requirements of employers. Please provide all the specific information available on the results obtained in this respect.

6. Article 3. The Committee notes that employers' and workers' representatives are associated with the definition of vocational training policies. With reference to the comments it has been making on this matter for several years, it hopes that the Government will be able to provide information in its next report on other initiatives to facilitate the consultation of representatives of the persons affected on the various aspects of employment policy. The Committee recalls in this connection that the representatives of persons employed in the rural and informal sectors should be associated with the consultations required by this provision.

7. Parts V and VI of the report form. The Committee notes that the Government received ILO technical assistance in conducting the fourth employment survey. Please continue to provide information on the assistance and advice received, and the action taken as a result of it. Furthermore, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide, as in the past, extracts of all reports, studies or surveys concerning employment and employment policy.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1996, published 85th ILC session (1997)

The Committee notes that in its examination of the representation made by the Latin American Central of Workers (CLAT) under article 24 of the Constitution, the Governing Body concluded at its 264th (November 1995) Session that the allegations did not show any grounds of non-compliance with the present Convention.

The Committee is again making a direct request to the Government concerning certain other matters.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1995, published 82nd ILC session (1995)

1. The Committee notes the Government's report for the period ending June 1994, which contains information in reply to its previous request and transmits useful documentation. It notes in particular the study on the urban employment situation in Nicaragua, undertaken in collaboration with the ILO and the PREALC, which shows that the urban unemployment rate in Nicaragua is the highest in Central America and one of the highest in Latin America. A very high proportion of the active urban population is also employed in the informal sector, although the capacity which that sector has shown to absorb labour is now limited. The analysis emphasizes that the trend for employment to be concentrated in the informal and services sectors is a characteristic of an economy with a low productivity rate.

2. The Committee notes that, according to the above study, the policy dilemma of endeavouring to increase urban employment lies in the manner in which redistribution and investment policies are combined. In a context of high unemployment, the need to adopt emergency measures gives rise to pressure to implement special programmes requiring external financing or additional resources, which increase the fiscal burden. In this respect, the Committee recalls that, under the terms of Article 2 of the Convention, the measures to be adopted for attaining employment objectives have to be decided upon and kept under review, "within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy". The Committee would be grateful if the Government would indicate in its next report the measures adopted to overcome the difficulties to which it refers, with an indication of the manner in which the measures adopted in fields such as investment policy, fiscal and monetary policies, trade policy, and prices, incomes and wages policies, as well as in the field of rural development, have contributed to the promotion of full, productive and freely chosen employment.

3. The Committee notes with interest the information provided in reply to its previous request on the implementation of the Vocational Redeployment Plan, and on the activities of the Emergency Social Investment Fund (FISE) and the Fund for Deprived Sectors (FASO). Please continue to provide information of this type and to indicate any other measures taken to assure lasting employment to the categories of the population which are most affected by unemployment and underemployment, such as young workers, women and workers affected by structural adjustment measures. The Government may consider it useful in this respect to refer to the relevant provisions of Part III of Recommendation No. 169. The Committee also requests the Government to continue supplying information on the outcome of the projects implemented by the Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources for rural workers, as well as any other measures to promote the productive employment of workers in the agricultural sector.

4. With reference to its last comment on the application of Convention No. 142, the Committee notes with interest the work plan of the National Technological Institute (INATEC) for 1994. It hopes that the Government will soon be in a position to indicate the extent to which the training received in the context of the INATEC's programmes has facilitated the vocational integration of the beneficiaries. In more general terms, please indicate the measures which have been taken to coordinate education and training policies with prospective employment opportunities.

5. The Government states that the Ministry of Labour and INATEC organize seminars to establish links with the various chambers of commerce and with the trade unions with a view to coordinating employment policies with labour supply and demand and vocational and technical training needs. The Committee requests the Government to describe the manner in which these seminars contribute to the holding of the consultations required by Article 3 of the Convention which, it recalls, should include representatives of the persons affected by employment policies including, in addition to representatives of employers' and workers' organizations, the representatives of persons working in the rural and informal sectors, with the objective of securing their cooperation in formulating and enlisting support for such policies. Please provide detailed information on any other procedure that has been established to give full effect to this important provision of the Convention.

6. The Committee requests the Government to continue providing any extracts of reports, studies and inquiries enabling it to assess the impact of economic and social policy measures on employment (Part VI of the report form). Please provide information on the action taken as a result of the technical cooperation or advice received from the ILO or the PREALC (Part V of the report form).

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1993, published 80th ILC session (1993)

1. The Committee notes the replies made by the Government to the points raised in the direct request of 1991. The Government refers to the new National Development Strategy, which was prepared in March 1991, the objective of which is to "improve the quality of life for the majority of the Nicaraguan population, overcome poverty, respect individual freedoms and dignity and protect the environment". A stabilization programme is being carried out which involves the privatization of State enterprises, the liberalization of foreign trade and the authorization of the activities of private banks. The Government recognizes that 14,000 workers in the public sector have been affected by the structural adjustment measures during the first six months of the programme. A programme of occupational rehabilitation benefited 11,000 of the workers affected. The Committee trusts that the Government will indicate in its next report the impact on the labour market and on employment of the stabilization programme (see the report form for Article 1 of the Convention).

2. The Committee states that an Emergency Social Investment Fund (FISE) and a Fund for Deprived Sectors (FASO) have been established as labour market oriented programmes. The Committee requests the Government to describe in its next report the manner in which the above funds have contributed to the creation of productive employment for the categories of workers who often find difficulties in obtaining lasting employment, such as young persons, women and workers affected by structural adjustment measures.

3. With reference to education and vocational training policies, the Committee notes with interest the establishment of the National Technological Institute (INATEC). Within the framework of the tripartite advisory council of the INATEC, according to the Government's statement in its report on the application of Convention No. 142, the preparation and execution of strategic plans for the development of the human resources of the country are undertaken with a view to guaranteeing a dynamic and flexible mobilization of the supply of technical and vocational training for young persons and adults, whether they are seeking their first job or are returning to the labour market. The Committee refers to the comments that it is making this year under Convention No. 142, and trusts that in its next report on the application of Convention No. 122 the Government will continue to supply information on the coordination of education and training policies and measures with prospective employment opportunities.

4. The Committee notes the various measures which have been taken to compile and analyse statistical data on the labour market. It trusts that the next report will include extracts of reports, studies and inquiries in order to enable it to assess the volume and distribution of the labour force, as well as the situation, level and trends in employment (Part VI of the report form).

5. Please continue to supply detailed information on the manner in which productive employment is promoted in the rural sector, and in particular when initiatives have been taken to ensure the rational use of natural resources and adequate protection for the environment.

6. Article 3. In its previous comments, the Committee recalled the importance of consultations with the representatives of the persons affected by the measures that are adopted. These consultations should have the objective of taking into account the experience and views of such persons and enlisting their support for the implementation of the measures. In its report, the Government states that the only experience which is available is in the field of vocational training. The Committee urges the Government to make particular efforts to hold the consultations provided for by the Convention with regard to employment policy with the representatives of employers and workers, as well as with representatives of the rural sector and the informal sector. It requests the Government to supply information in this respect in its next report.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1991, published 78th ILC session (1991)

1. The Committee takes note of the Government's report which was received by the Office in January 1991, in which the Government states that it considers it unnecessary to make any comments for the time being since there have been no legislative reforms or changes in practice to affect the application of the Convention.

2. In its 1990 direct request, the Committee expressed its concern at the continued deterioration of the economic situation and its impact on the labour market. According to the PREALC, it is at present very difficult to ascertain the real rates of open unemployment, underemployment, and the situation in the informal sector and rural areas. The PREALC also refers to requests for technical co-operation to revitalise evaluation of the employment problem through a programme of household surveys, and suggests that the ILO should provide advice on the establishment of employment generation programmes. The Committee hopes that, in its next report, the Government will include information on any action undertaken as a result of ILO technical co-operation projects (Part V of the report form).

3. The Committee trusts that, in its next report, the Government will provide the detailed information required by the report form for the Convention and will supply information on the following points raised in its previous comments:

(i) please describe the measures adopted to satisfy the demand for employment, with particular reference to overall and sectoral development policies (and particularly to measures adopted in such fields as investment policy; fiscal and monetary policies; trade policy; prices, incomes and wages policies);

(ii) please describe the policies aimed directly at the labour market and policies in the fields of education and vocational training;

(iii) please indicate the measures taken to collect and analyse statistical and other data concerning the size and distribution of the labour force, the nature and extent of unemployment and underemployment and the procedures adopted to ensure that the effects on employment of measures taken to promote economic development (Article 2 of the Convention);

(iv) please indicate the measures taken to promote employment in the rural sector. The Government may find it useful in this connection to consult paragraph 27 of the Employment Policy Recommendation, 1964 (No. 122), the text of which is annexed to the report form for the Convention.

4. The PREALC mentions in the above-mentioned communication that the Government is currently implementing a vast privatisation programme. The Government is asked to provide information in its next report on the results obtained by the above programme and its effects on employment.

5. Article 3. In its previous comments, the Committee requested information on consultations with representatives of employers' and workers' organisations on the matters covered by the Convention. The Committee again points out the importance of consultations with the representatives of the persons affected by the measures that are adopted. These consultations should have the objective of taking into account the experience and views of such persons and enlisting their support for the implementation of the measures. The Committee trusts that, in its next report, the Government will not fail to supply the information required by the report form on the consultations held with representatives of employers' and worker' organisations and of the persons affected, including those working in the rural and informal sectors.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1990, published 77th ILC session (1990)

1. The Committee notes the Government's report which was received by the Office in March 1989. It notes that underlying the economic measures adopted in February 1988 were measures to reduce employment in the public sector and redeploy the workers concerned. The Government indicates that priority has been given to three employment programmes for the placement of former members of the armed services, the disabled, and returning emigrants. A programme has also been introduced to reduce the size of the informal economy, and 251 co-operatives have been set up to promote small industry.

The Committee expresses its concern at the continued deterioration of the economic situation (the GDP growth rate was negative in 1987 and 1988) and its impact on the employment situation of the economically active population, of which, according to estimates by the Office, two-thirds are unemployed or underemployed. It hopes that in its next report the Government will be able to supply information on the results achieved by the above employment programmes. Please also provide a detailed description of the measures adopted to meet all applications for employment, with particular reference to overall and sectoral development policies (and particularly measures adopted in such fields as investment policy; fiscal and monetary policies; trade policy; prices, incomes and wages policies). Please also describe the policies aimed directly at the labour market and policies in the fields of education and vocational training, in reply to the questions raised in the report form under Article 1 of the Convention.

2. The Committee refers to its 1988 direct request and requests the Government to include in its next report information on the measures that have been taken to collect and analyse statistical and other data concerning the size and distribution of the labour force, the nature and extent of unemployment and underemployment and the procedures adopted to ensure that the effects on employment of measures taken to promote economic development receive due consideration, as requested in the report form for Article 2.

3. The Committee notes the measures that have been adopted to promote employment in the rural sector. It trusts that the Government will continue to supply information on the results achieved by agrarian reform and other measures that have been adopted to promote productive employment in the rural sector. The Government may find it useful in this connection to consult paragraph 27 of the Employment Policy Recommendation, 1964 (No. 122), the text of which is annexed to the report form for the Convention.

4. In its previous comments, the Committee requested information on consultations with representatives of employers' and workers' organisations on the matters covered by the Convention, as required by Article 3. The Committee notes once again that the Government has not supplied such information. The Committee points out the importance of consultations with the representatives of the persons affected by the measures that are adopted. These consultations should have the object of taking into account the experience and views of such persons and enlisting their support for the implementation of the measures. The Committee trusts that, in its next report, the Government will not fail to supply the information required under the report form on the consultations held with representatives of employers' and workers' organisations and of the persons affected, including those who work in the rural sector and the informal sector.